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Meaning of illegitimate in English

  1. Pronunciation

    /ˌɪləˈdʒɪdəmət/

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  1. Classifying Adjective

    illegitimate

    Definitions

    1. contrary to or forbidden by law

    Examples

    • « an illegitimate seizure of power »
    • « illicit trade »
    • « an outlaw strike »
    • « unlawful measures »

    Synonyms

    • illegal
  2. Noun

    illegitimate

    Definitions

    1. the illegitimate offspring of unmarried parents
  3. Qualitative Adjective

    illegitimate

    Etymology

    mid 16th century: from late Latin illegitimus (from in-‘not’ + legitimus‘lawful’), suggested by legitimate

    Definitions

    1. of marriages and offspring

    Examples

    • « not recognized as lawful »

    Synonyms

    • adulterine
    • base
    • baseborn
    • bastard
    • bastardly
    • misbegot
    • misbegotten
    • spurious
    • fatherless
    • left-handed
    • unlawful
    • wrongful

    Antonyms

    • legitimate

See also

  • illegal
  • invalid
  • unauthorized

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